Pre-Physical Therapy (Doctorate Program) & MS in Athletic Training

Program Description

Professional Program in Physical Therapy

KU's DPT program is nationally recognized for excellence in education and research in the field. A department of the School of Health Professions, the KU Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science is located on the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) campus in Kansas City, Kansas. In collaboration with The University of Kansas Health System adjacent to KUMC, students benefit from the opportunity to interact with a large number of health care professionals and leading researchers in real-world environments. 

KU’s DPT program is an accredited 3 year full-time graduate program designed to prepare a generalist physical therapy practitioner and to foster lifelong professional development. The program begins in late May and includes classroom, laboratory, research and clinical learning experiences. Students must complete 36 weeks of full-time clinical internships As an Academic Health Science Center, KUMC provides ample opportunity for physical therapist students to interact with a large number of health care professionals, as well as students from other disciplines. 

Admission to the DPT program at KUMC is a competitive process. The faculty values a well-rounded applicant; one who has demonstrated their academic and cognitive abilities as well as their personal, professional, and leadership potential. Class size is restricted; generally admitting no more than 60 students in any single year. 

Master of Science in Athletic Training 

The KU Master of Science in Athletic Training (MSAT) program is a 2-year full-time graduate program designed to prepare an entry-level practitioner and foster lifelong professional development. The program begins the Tuesday after Memorial Day and includes classroom, laboratory, scholarship, and clinical education opportunities. 

As a leader in academic health sciences, the KU Medical Center provides ample opportunity for athletic training students to interact with a large number of health care professionals as well as students from other disciplines. 

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression and genetic information in the University's programs and activities. 

Admissions Requirements

Below is an overview of admission requirements for KU's doctoral degree program in physical therapy and KU’s Master of Science in Athletic Training.  

1. Undergraduate Degree: A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution must be completed prior to the start of the program. The degree may be in any field but must include all classes listed in the prerequisite courses section below.
2. Experience: Physical Therapy Applicants are expected to possess a general understanding of health care and physical therapy based upon employment, observation or volunteer experiences. Although KU does not require specific hours, applicants are encouraged to invest the time they need to acquire knowledge of the role of physical therapists in health care.  Athletic Training Applicants are expected to have a general understanding of health care and athletic training. Although KU does not require specific hours be documented, applicants are encouraged to invest the time needed to acquire knowledge of the role of athletic trainers in health care through a minimum of 40 hours of observation or volunteer experience with a credentialed athletic trainer.
3. Recommendations: Physical Therapy Applicants need three recommendations and must be submitted to PTCAS. One recommendation from a physical therapist is required. Athletic Training Applicants need two recommendations and must be submitted to ATCAS. One reference must be received from a credentialed athletic trainer. The other should be from a faculty member, advisor, employer, etc.
4. Grade Point Average 3.0: To achieve regular status, an overall 3.0 cumulative grade point average on a 4.0-scale is required. Historically, accepted applicants have had a cumulative GPA significantly higher than 3.0. In addition, student transcripts must document a minimum 3.0 grade point average (on a 4.0 scale) in all prerequisite courses including math and science course work. 
5. "C" Grade or Higher: A passing grade is required in all prerequisite courses. A “D” is not considered a passing grade. All prerequisite science courses must be completed within the last 10 years.
6. Background Check: The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations requires all incoming students to pay for a background check. 
7. International Students: An applicant is considered an international student if he or she requires a visa, or currently resides in the U.S. with non-immigrant status, or currently resides in the U.S. while applying for permanent residency. Additional requirements and documentation, such as proof of English language proficiency, are required for international students to become eligible for KU programs. NOTE: Currently, International Students are not eligible for our Athletic Training Program.  Feel free to contact: ptrsat@kumc.edu with questions. 
8. Vaccine & Clinical Site Requirements: Athletic Training only - Matriculated students will need to provide an immunization profile prior to participating in curricular and/or clinical experiences required by the program. Please read the information found at the bottom of the program's curriculum page and be sure that you understand these requirements. 

Application Process 

• Physical Therapy - To apply to the KU Doctor of Physical Therapy program, students must complete the online application through PTCAS. Students have the option to select on-campus or hybrid pathway preference. All required materials are submitted directly to this service, and PTCAS will forward all application materials to your designated programs. Information regarding deadlines. 
• Athletic Training - To apply to the KU Master of Science in Athletic Training program, students must complete the online application through ATCAS. All required materials are submitted directly to this service. Information regarding deadlines. 
• Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. 
• Physical Therapy - Once the department receives the completed PTCAS application, the applicant will receive an email prompting verification of the KU Medical Center application and payment of the $75.00 supplemental KU fee. 
• Athletic Training – Once the department receives the completed ATCAS application, applicants will receive instructions by email for submitting a supplemental application to the University of Kansas using the KU's online application portal. A $6.00 supplemental KU application fee will be due at this time. If offered admission to the program, students will receive directions to provide a non-refundable deposit of $100. This amount will be applied toward your first summer tuition and fees if you enter the program. If you change your plans and you decide not to enter the program at any time, your deposit will not be refunded. 
• Physical Therapy - For accepted students without transcripts available at the time of application, final official transcripts must be sent to the department at the end of the semester in which the undergraduate degree was achieved.
• Athletic Training - Arrange to have one official copy of each transcript, from every college and university attended, sent directly to the program via ATCAS. Students may not receive transcripts and forward them.